Reward rises to $20K in mysterious ambush of deputy constable

Officials say they learned littleabout shooter

Two months after a deputy constable was shot four times in the back, authorities still don't know who fired the .22-caliber rifle and disappeared into the night.

Now the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas governor's office are hoping to help in the investigation by boosting to $20,000 the reward for information leading to the arrest of the shooter.

"It's all a mystery to us, a mystery to the Houston Police Department," Precinct 7 Constable May Walker said of the shooting. "We are trying to get some answers and catch a suspect."

Deputy Constable Alden Clopton, an 11-year veteran, was shot about 11:15 p.m. on April 13 while on patrol in the Third Ward area.

Clopton had responded to a request for help from a nearby reserve deputy constable and was leaning in to the window of her patrol car when he was shot from behind, according to officials.

Six shots were fired, and four hit Clopton. The suspect fled on food.

Officer recovering

Clopton was released from the hospital last week and continues to recover from his injuries.

"He is improving," Walker said Tuesday. "He is not what he wants to be, but he is improving greatly. It will be six months to a year before he'll be back to par."

In an effort to boost the case, state officials Tuesday announced they would add a $10,000 reward to the $10,000 reward already being offered by Crime Stoppers of Houston. The reward is being offered through the Office of the Governor and the Texas Crime Stopper's Fallen Hero Reward program.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appealed for help from anyone who could shed light on the case.

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"The attack on Deputy Alden Clopton is an unconscionable crime that will not be tolerated in Texas," he said. "I know local authorities are working tirelessly to ensure justice in this case, and hopefully this reward offering will assist in those efforts. This crime reminds us that law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to serve and protect our communities, and they deserve our utmost gratitude and respect."

'Attack on all Texans'

Texas DPS Director Steven McCraw joined the call for assistance.

"We are appalled by the cowardly shooting of Deputy Clopton and consider this an attack on all Texans," McCraw said.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with Deputy Clopton and his family as he continues to recover, and we urge anyone with information related to this ongoing investigation to come forward to help us as we seek justice in this case," McCraw said.

Officials asked the public call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-8477 or text the DPS at 274637 by typing the letters DPS, then the tip information.

Walker, the constable, said that tipsters will remain anonymous.

"We know nothing about the suspect," she said. "We don't know why he shot Deputy Clopton. We don't know where he went, we don't know who he is. All we know is he had a .22 rifle and shot at him six times and ran off."